A New Story: What About Bob?

“I think you did the right thing just apologizing.  Julie said.  “It was an honest mistake.  You admit your mistake and don’t do it again, right?”

Marsha nodded having told her of the office visit with her manager.  When Julie asked if she was okay, a million thoughts churned through her mind.  So much was wrong.  Bob left her and took all the money, her boss was mad about an error she made and she was wracked with guilt for being a nosy person when she took a card from Julie’s desk. 

In some way, apologizing felt cleansing to Marsha.  A weight was lifted from her spirit.  As she explained the circumstances of her visit to her manager, Marsha felt the urge to confess to Julie she had taken the card.  She had spent her life driven to control her circumstances, her husband, every aspect of her life.  Perhaps she needed to come clean.  Like people who attend Alcoholics Anonymous, she needed to confess and seek forgiveness from those she had wronged. 

This was different.  Julie was still an unknown.  Julie might tell management.  Marsha didn’t know what HR thought of someone stealing from another employee but she was certain she didn’t want to find out.  If her marriage was finished, she needed to work.  Marsha decided to take that secret to the grave. 

There was one apology she needed to make.  To do so, she needed to get Julie out of her office.  Julie was about to say something when Marsha cut her off, “Darlin’, I appreciate your kindness.  I’m a big girl and will be alright.  I just had a moment.  Even big girls get them, ya know.”

“Okay.”  Julie smiled and added.  “Please let me know if you need anything.”

“Thank you, I will.” 

She really is a nice girl, Marsha thought to herself.  She wanted to make a phone call but after her recent mistake, it was important to be flawless in her job.  Marsha took pride in her work and any error, however small, irritated her.  She needed to consider what happened and determine the best way to never let it happen again. 

As she worked the remainder of the morning, Marsha’s brain churned through what the next steps should be in her life.  The most important thing was Bob.  He was her husband.  Perhaps he had burned the bridge and there was no going back.  Even though she was deeply hurt by him taking all the money, she knew she made a vow to stay with him “for better or worse.”  This certainly was worse. 

When the lunch hour came, Anita showed up at Marsha’s cubicle.  During their walk to the restaurant, Marsha swallowed her pride and asked if Anita would buy lunch.  As they ate, Anita heard the details of the previous evening.  She was shocked and deeply concerned for her friend.  This comforted Marsha.  As they spoke, Marsha waivered on her decision about her marriage.  With good friends, life as a divorcee was possible.  She could make it but was that the right choice?

Once back in the office, she made her decision.  She grabbed her cell phone and walked outside to a private area.  The line rang once and a voice answered, “Hello?”

“Brian, this is Marsha.  Since he’s not takin’ my calls, I need to talk to you about Bob.”